Now that summer is in full swing, it’s time to get up, get out and get moving. Nothing lifts the spirits more than sunshine and exercise, and the South Shore offers a variety of outdoor activities from walking the plethora of Trustees of Reservations and Audubon properties, to swimming in oceans, ponds and public pools.

Whatever you choose, take advantage of the sunshine and fresh air while it’s here.

No. 1: Petersen Splash Pad, Braintree

The best kept secret on the South Shore is Braintree’s Petersen Splash Pad.

Located at Watson Park, the town-owned mini-water park has a variety of water features for younger children to cool off on a hot day. Imagine gigantic sprinklers and mist machines that shoot water up, down and all around.

The pad opened last summer and was an immediate hit with local residents. Now, now word is starting to spread to surrounding communities. Among its many benefits is the park is completely fenced-in to keep little ones from wandering, and it has patches of shades for adults to pull up a chair. It’s even frequented by an ice cream truck.

So pack up the kids and the sunscreen, and plan to spend the day outside running, jumping and splashing. No doubt after all of that fresh air and exercise, even the most rambunctious children will sleep well.

No. 2: Resilient residents

Many people, especially as they age, face physical complications that make getting up and out difficult. Yet no matter how hard the challenge, some won’t be kept down.

George Bromberg, 80, who summers in Hull, was diagnosed with spinal cancer for which there is no treatment. Gone are the days of daily swims, long bike rides with his wife and regular runs.

As difficult as it is, Bromberg is resilient and still gets out. Now he uses two walking sticks and his pace has slowed, but he won’t be stopped.

Quincy residents Janet and Bill Eaton are avid cyclers. After a bad crash while biking, Janet refused to opt for the safety of a gym and give up exercising outside. Instead, she took to an adult trike, which offers stability. The Eatons can often be found riding at Fort Revere Park in Hull.

Both Bromberg and Eaton are great examples of resiliency and inspiration.

No. 3: Beaches and pools

Duxbury, Nantasket, Minot, Green Harbor. These are just a few of the gorgeous beaches we on the South Shore can access. Pack a beach chair, a boogie board and a good book, and the day is yours.

Each offers a sandy shoreline for long walks and the Atlantic for riding the waves.

If you simply can’t stand sand between your toes and prefer the ease of a swimming pool, few are as gorgeous as Brockton’s two facilities, Cosgrove Pool and, for the younger set, Manning Pool, located behind Brockton High School. Manning Pool has water features and a playground.

No matter how you choose to spend your free time, we hope you’ll choose to get up, get out and get moving.

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